Greek Myth ~ Artemis (Part 2)

As I am working on the Olympian's right now I've decided to share my findings overview of Artemis, Goddess of the Moon, Wild Animals and Child Birth (Part 2)

Click for Part 1

Artemis

Moon, Wild Animals & Childbirth

Troy

Agamemnon was a hero who lead the forces of Greece during the war of Troy.  Artemis became enraged when he sacrificed a stag in Her sacred grove.  As punishment to Agamemnon She refused to raise the winds his ships needed to set sail until he sacrificed his daughter Iphigenia to Her.

Moon Dance

Men and women would perform phallic dances in honour of the Goddess.  At Delphi Artemis, dressed as beautiful as ever, led the dances of the Muses and Graces.  When the Moon was full and shone bright men’s hearts and even the plants would rejoice in Her presence.

Temples

  A temple was erected in Her name in Athens Harbour where young Athenian maidens who had reached puberty would be initiated into her cult.  Her Roman counterpart Diana (Goddess of woods, forests, the Moon and protector of virginity) had temples erected in Her name on the shores of Lake Nemi, near Rome as well as in the city of Rome on Aventine Hill. 

Reference: Elizabeth Hallam

John Mallam

PaganNews.com

☮ ♡ & ツ